Abstract

Together with the Institute of Digital Signal Processing, Duisburg-Essen University (Germany) and Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST, Tanzania); we are developing a research and innovation project in response to the European Horizon 2020 call ICT-39-2015: International partnership building in low and middle income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Our main idea is to deploy a superfast wireless p2p backbone with minimum > 50 GHz bandwidth and heterogeneous (Super) Wi-Fi broadband access network which are cost effective, energy-efficient and meets the end user needs. The plan is to utilize the white spaces, both TV white spaces (TVWS) and other geographically unused bands. We are targeting users or areas without network coverage or access to broadband internet connectivity.

The project team members include Dr. Chomora Mikeka (Senior Lecturer in the Physics Department and Coordinator for eCRG), Mr. Blessings Nthezemu Kamanga (a Fourth Year, Computer Science and Physics double Major) and Partners from Tanzania (Dr. Joseph Mwangoka) and Germany (Dr. Thomas Kaiser-Professor at University of Duisburg).

A brief about SDR

A radio is any kind of device that wirelessly transmits or receives signals in the radio frequency (RF) part of the electromagnetic spectrum to facilitate the transfer of information. A software defined radio is the one in which some or the entire physical layer functions are software defined. Thus the project would involve writing codes in Python to represent physical blocks in a hardware radio. Software defined radio technology

Provides an efficient and comparatively inexpensive solution to the problem of cross-functionality and also need for physical intervention when hardware based radio is modified. Thus it allows multimode,

Multi-band and/or multi-functional wireless devices that can be enhanced using software upgrades.

Benefits of SDRs

SDRs have a lot of benefits to all stakeholders ranging from Radio Equipment Manufacturers, System Integrators, Radio Service Providers and end users (business travellers and soldiers etc.)

Newly manufactured products can easily be introduced on market since they can be implemented using a common platform architecture.

Remote software downloads through which capacity can be increased, capability upgrades can be activated and new revenue generating features can be inserted.

Reduces time and costs associated with operation and maintenance since over-the-air or other remote reprogramming can be done while the radio is in service.

Reduce costs in providing end-users with access to ubiquitous wireless communications– enabling them to communicate with whomever they need, whenever they need to and in whatever manner.

About Chancellor College

Chancellor College is the largest among the constituent colleges of the University of Malawi. Ever since its establishment, the college has produced graduates who have gone on to become leaders in various sectors of Malawian society.